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No stock of Venlafaxine?

Posted , 16 users are following.

stephanie_02023
stephanie_02023

Can anyone help me? I’ve been to collect my prescription today for venlafaxine that I’ve been taking for several months and has help me immensely, only to be told sorry it’s not stocked anymore and referred me back to my GP! Has anyone else had the same issue? I’m worried now as it’s the only medication that’s ever worked and I’ve had a few antidepressants over the years! Thanks

1 like, 53 replies

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  • Andrew_2007
    Andrew_2007 stephanie_02023

    Posted

    I've been on Venlafaxine 375mg IR immediate release tablet's for a few year's now, three month's ago the chemist I use and others in the area couldn't supply them so I was eventually give a prescription for the XL prolonged release capsule's. Since January as a result of the supply problems there hasn't been two consecutive months with the same medication!        January XL, February IR, March XL and April IR  

    Last Sunday I switched from the XL to IR again and I've had a terrible week with increased anxiety and depression, would anyone know if this can be confirmed to be as a result of changing from the XL to IR?

    I was taking 225mg XL morning and then 150mg XL in the evening. Now I'm back on 150mg IR morning, 225mg evening.

    Surely it cannot be acceptable to switch the venlafaxine type every month! 

     

    • charlotte14426
      charlotte14426 Andrew_2007

      Posted

      Hey,

      I'm having similar problems and I'm wondering if it's effecting anyone else

      I've been on effexor modified released tablets on and off for 10 years. For the last 2 years my dose increased to 225mg which has changed my life and my depression had been under control . Then 3 or 4 months ago ; I noticed the gp had changed the venlsfacinr to a generic version . At first I thought nothing of it as I was told it was bio equivalent to the branded effexor version. Well since taking this, my symptoms of depression have reoccured and I feel so unwell mentally. I'm convinced that it's because the generic version is not as efficient as my old version. I've read so much about these generic brands and the term bio equivalent is so broad, it doesn't mean that they are exactly the same as the original drug.

      I explained this to my go today and he said he would put me back on effexor , however I've picked up my script and I've been prescribed another generic brand of venlsfacinr instead.

      I'm just horrified that these coat saving measures are actually effecting people's lives .

    • stephanie_02023
      stephanie_02023 Andrew_2007

      Posted

      Hi Andrew, I’ve been on the XR now since my last post. I don’t think it’s right at all for them to be giving you different release version by the month.  As much as the gps say there’s no difference between the 2 I believe there’s a massive difference! The IR is a much better version, I felt so much better on it. The XR is it’s poorer relation in my opinion. I’ve had it increased twice now and I’m still not as good as I was on the lower dose  IR.  I’ve read quite a bit on this medication and I did read once that the XR should only be taken in one dose, ie. in the morning. Hope you get sorted! 
    • Andrew_2007
      Andrew_2007 stephanie_02023

      Posted

      Hi Stephanie

      I've done a lot of searching but its extremely difficult to find any information on what to expect with regard to anxiety/depression level's increasing when switching from one form of venlafaxine to another.  I can imagine that the manufacturer's and nhs wouldn't want to reveal such information if it had a detrimental effect on the patient's health. If I had definite proof I would ask to stay on the type that is always available with no supply issue's, that has been the prolonged release capsules. 

      I know the prolonged release capsule's aren't cheap, you can now get them in tablet form which are much cheaper but to be honest I don't know which type would be best. 

      Maybe a psychiatrist would be the best person to see as GP's don't have anywhere near as much knowledge and experience when it comes to mental health treatment?

  • patricia96761
    patricia96761 stephanie_02023

    Posted

    Hi all those in this discussion I was on the slow release Venlafaxine for two and a half years one dose in the evening It was a bit difficult to withdraw nut wad successful in beating my depression maybe you will get good results

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